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Reviews
The Man from Earth (2007)
Somewhat amateur with a few great moments
If you look past the low budget issues the film has moments of greatness punctuating mediocrity. I think that explains the large split in ratings. It is a 5-6 for the most part with brief spikes to 8-9, but it is never really a 7. So if you can tolerate the B movie looks and the roller coaster quality it is quite enjoyable, maybe even charming. Also: Be ready for a drama, not an action film.
Dororo: The story of Shiranui (2019)
What happened?
It seems like the animation B team was put in here. That plus clear filler story material really drags this episode down compared to especially the first 12 episodes.
The Mosquito Coast: Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (2021)
Sad
If it had been done well I could forgive departing from the plot of the book so significantly as the themes of the novel are quite timeless. But the substitute plot (which, by the way, is almost all of it so far) has not been well executed. The excitement factor has been increased a lot (once again, I can understand the need to appeal to a wider audience) but apparently it was done at the cost of the willing suspension of disbelief. Mostly I hope that the series won't deter people from reading the novel, which I have always found to be one of the greats.
The Handmaid's Tale: Chicago (2021)
Writing? Where we are going we don't need writing.
It shouldn't need to be proved, but this episode illustrates again that the foundation of television and movies is the writing. Without a good story that does not break the willing suspension of disbelief no amount of excellent cinematography and acting will save a show. Even a show with such poignant social commentary still has to deliver on the basics. Unfortunately the last few episodes have only continued a downward trend.
Into the Badlands (2015)
Wasted potential
Wonderful cinematography. Often times good acting. Some compelling characters and (if you like it) some over the top martial arts choreography. But the story descends season by season into an abyss of plot holes and inconsistencies.